Vacancies

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CONSULTANT VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Issued on: 28 April 2016

BACKGROUND
UN-Habitat through the Global Land Tool Network and its partners is developing and implementing the Social Tenure Domain Model (STDM). STDM, as it stands, has the capacity to broaden the scope of land administration by providing a land information management framework that would integrate formal, informal and customary land systems and administrative and spatial components. STDM makes this possible through tools that facilitates recording all forms of land rights, all types of rights holders and all kinds of land and property objects/spatial units regardless of the level of formality.

With the increased growth in the use and application of STDM in multiple contexts as well as open-sourcing the tool’s source codes, a top priority is to continue supporting partners in adopting and integrating the STDM tool into their business processes that comprise the recordation of land rights. For this purpose, the scope of work will focus on assessing the requirements for the specific context it is implemented in and subsequently, extending the core framework and where applicable, integrating the tool with the existing systems in order to meet these requirements. All code developed by the consultant will be released by UN-Habitat under the GNU General Public License.

RESPONSIBILITIES
The land expert, under the guidance of the Land and GLTN Unit Leader and key staff from GLTN Secretariat, Under the overall supervision of the Unit Leader of Land and GLTN Unit under the Urban Legislation, Land and Governance Branch of UN-Habitat or authorised staff, the consultant will perform the following tasks and responsibilities:

• Design, develop and implement customized QGIS-based desktop applications and enterprise solutions for GLTN partners using PyQGIS and STDM core framework.
• Active and effective engagement with GLTN key staff and partners in ensuring quality of the tool.
• Assist with application development estimating, planning and progress tracking.
• Write comprehensive technical specifications and support documentation.
• Propose and implement relevant STDM core framework enhancements based on his/her expertise and creativity.
• Provide the necessary training and capacity development in creating awareness, rolling out and maintaining the tool.
• Perform other related tasks as necessary.

COMPETENCIES

• Professionalism: Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. He/she is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges. Remains calm in stressful situations.

• Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

• Planning and Organising: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently.
• Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology. Understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office. Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks. Shows willingness to learn new technology.

EDUCATION
Bachelor’s or master’s in Geography, GIS, Computer Science, or a related field. 

WORK EXPERIENCE

• At least three years of Python and SQL development experience.
• Strong object-oriented and programming skills.
• Experience with PostgreSQL, SpatiaLite or other RDBMS.
• Familiarity with the STDM core framework is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of geospatial and mapping concepts such as spatial analysis, map projections, etc. is highly recommended.
• Ability to solve any number of problems from code bugs to database connectivity to host system or operating system failures.
• Ability to clearly communicate technical ideas, whether to technical or non-technical GLTN staff and partners.
• Strong organizational skills & ability to handle multiple tasks under tight deadlines is essential.
• Ability to write technical documentation.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

LANGUAGE SKILLS
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. For the post advertised, excellent proficiency in spoken and written English is required. Knowledge of a second UN language is an advantage. 

REMUNERATION

The rate is determined by functions performed. The fees will be paid as per agreement. Where applicable, travel costs of the consultant to Nairobi (air travel ticket economy class), transfers, and daily allowance as per the UN rate is payable in addition to the daily fee.

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